News

TMD Security throws one-two punch in fight against ATM explosive attacks

September 19, 2017

TMD Security has introduced its Gas Defense Kit, expanding the company's portfolio of physical security solutions designed to protect against ATM explosive attacks.

The new kit combines intelligent "spark" technology with TMD's real-time remote monitoring software to provide a centrally controlled end-to-end defense strategy.

Intelligent "spark" addresses the problem of explosive attacks by ensuring that gas does not build up inside the ATM and cause an explosion.

As the criminal introduces gas into the ATM, an ignition module generates small sparks that safely ignite the flammable gas in a controlled way — no matter how much gas the criminal uses.

Simultaneously, TMD's monitoring software generates and delivers alerts that allow for fast response to suspected attacks, the release said.

The Gas Defense Kit addresses a recently growing problem of criminals using greater quantities of gas in their attacks in order to overcome defenses such as stronger safes and gas suppressant systems, TMD said in the release.

This trend intensifies the risk of collateral damage and the threat to human lives — and it accompanies a rise in the number of explosive attacks, which last year were up 47 percent, to 988, according to the European Association for Secure Transactions. Of these attacks, 77 percent used flammable gas.

The TMD Gas Defense Kit and monitoring software combination will be available for all major ATM models and will work hand-in-hand with the company's portfolio of security solutions, including new Note Staining Kit.

"We are committed to bringing game-changing defenses to the industry," said TMD founder Cees Heuker of Hoek. "TMD's monitoring software combined with CPK hardware technology has taken antiskimming protection to the next level and we are now also combining our monitoring software with Gas Defense Kit and future security kits including Note Staining Kit-plus."

TMD Security will present findings that demonstrate how technological innovation is countering ATM crime at this week's ATMIA ATM and Payment Security conference in London.